Video: Matech Ford GT GT1 racer

The Ford GT was one bad supercar, one that could do business with the world's best and fastest cars. Matech Competition is a Swiss racing team that is quite fond of the GT, already having raced it to victory in the FIA GT racing.

For 2010, Matech has made some serious changes to it's GT and is eyeballing the bigger and better GT1 class. Check out the press release below for details, and the video for some seriously sweet tailpipe music.

Press Release

The 2010 Matech Ford GT1 unveiled

As early as 2009, before the regulations of the new GT Championship came into force, Matech Concepts started developing a new Ford GT1 based on the prototype fielded in the previous season. On the way to the Portuguese circuit at Portimão, Matech Competition stopped in Spain at the Ascari circuit to perform the roll-out of the new car. With Thomas Mutsch at the wheel, the first metres of the Ford GT1 went according to plan, just as the driver and Martin Bartek had been hoping: "The car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season." The next step will be the "balance of performance" at Portimão on 3 and 4 February, followed by further testing at the Alcañiz circuit where a handful of previously selected drivers will take the wheel of the Ford GT1. This first stage will then be concluded by the presentation of the vehicle to the press in Paris on 1 March.

The driver pairings...

To determine the final line-up for the cockpits of the two Ford GT1 cars, Matech Competition has invited seven drivers to participate in a comparative test in a "special" Ford GT3 on the Portimão circuit. In addition to the five men – Mathias Beche, Yann Zimmer, Borja Garcia, Casper Elgaard and Carlo Van Dam – the group also includes two ladies, Natacha Gachnang and Cyndie Allemann. ''Our goal, clearly, is to form two teams that are as strong as possible by giving young drivers, including
women, an opportunity to compete. For these tests, they will be driving one of our Ford GT3 cars on which we have removed the ballast and the air-restrictor so that it will handle in a similar way on the track as the GT1," explains Martin Bartek. After this initial evaluation, there will be some candidates for further tests, this time in the Ford GT1 at the Motorland circuit near Alcañiz. Jonathan Hirschi and Marc Hennerici will join this test as well.

Geiger Ford GT, 790hp and loud paint

Geiger is a German tuner that has a fascination with American muscle cars. They also seemingly have a fascination with extremely bright paint hues and body modifications.

This particular Ford GT possesses those traits, as you can certainly bet that it's future owners will not pass down any road unnoticed.

Their latest version of the GT also has impressive power to back up all of that flaunting, with it's 5.4L V8 pumping out 790hp and 637 lb-ft of torque. Most of the power boost can be credited to the motor's huge 4.0L supercharger that replaces the stock 2.3L.

Geiger claims a 0-100 km/h jaunt takes only 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 223 mph. Check out the press release below for all the details.

PRESS RELEASE:

Red is supposed to be the standard colour of warning. US car specialists GeigerCars.de from Munich have turned this established wisdom on its head, presenting their hottest shot with eye-catching bright green paintwork. The Ford GT "Geiger HP 790" is the third star after the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (569 HP) and the Corvette Z06 Bi-Turbo (890 HP).

Karl Geiger's latest creation lives up to its name: the super sports car's 5.4 litre V8 engine can reach a terrific 790 horsepower, an impressive 240 HP more than its series equivalent. The source of this explosion of power? Above all the replacement of the series-produced 2.3 litre with a more powerful 4.0 litre compressor which blasts the combustion chamber at over 1.25 bars. Larger throttle valves and a sports filter were also installed to supply the eight cylinders with even more fresh air. The engine and gear cooling systems had of course also to be adjusted to the new design as well as engine electrics.

Geiger HP 790 shoots to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, breaks the 200km/h mark 6 seconds later and reaches 300 kilometres an hour in only 22.8 seconds - all this to bloodcurdling roars from the two 110-millimetre sports exhaust tail pipes - an in house development. Thrust and air resistance don't balance until you hit 360km/h. The supercharged V8 reaches maximum power at 6320 rpm and its maximum torque - 863 Newton metres - at just 4600 revolutions.

No question that a ride like this is not for the beginner, but experienced drivers will find the specially developed coilover suspension a great asset. Its hydraulic shock absorbers have adjustable pressure and rebound damping which can be set to suit drivers' needs and preferences - and of course the terrain.

Low and wide: the classic Ford sports car proportions are taken even further with 60-millimetere lowering. The wheel housing can't high superb matt black alloy wheels outlined in the car colour, mounted in 9x20 inches at the front and an impressive 11x21 at the rear. 245/35R20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres on the front axle ensure precise transmission of wheel commands whilst the drive axle 325/30R21 tyres constantly fight for grip and traction - if only so they don't disappear in a cloud of blue smoke.

RM auctioning off two Ford GTs for juvenile diabetes research

If you're like me, wishing you would have had the means to buy a Ford GT while they were in production, now you have a second chance. Ford and RM auctions are teaming up to auction off two of them.

The first one is an early example (number six produced), and is red with white stripes. It will be auctioned off in Meadow Brook in August. Number seven is the second car to be sold, and is white with blue stripes. It will go on the block in Monterey.

Both cars are expected to bring in between $150,000 and $200,000. The money is going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and will be used to fund a medical research endowment.

PRESS RELEASE

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION TO BENEFIT FROM SALE OF FORD GT SUPERCARS AT RM AUCTIONS' MEADOW BROOK AND MONTEREY EVENTS

Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook

Two original 2005 Ford GT supercars from the Ford Motor Company collection to be offered at RM Auctions' Meadow Brook and Monterey events this August with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

BLENHEIM, Ontario (June 18, 2009) – RM Auctions is honored to provide the stage and auction services for the sale of two factory-original 2005 Ford GT supercars. On behalf of the Ford Motor Company's Global Walk Team, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these cars will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and its mission to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

"The Ford GT represents the pinnacle of performance from Ford Motor Company and is a great opportunity for the savvy collector. Ford is proud to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation efforts by including these early VIN Ford GTs at the RM auction in Meadow Brook and Monterey", said Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"RM is truly honored to provide support to JDRF's ongoing initiatives and we welcome the opportunity to further the awareness of juvenile diabetes through these events," added Ian Kelleher, President and COO of RM Auctions.

First introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show, the Ford GT is a true American supercar, built to commemorate Ford's Centennial and its GT40 predecessor's victories at Le Mans 24-Hour races in the 1960s. With its mid-mounted, 550-horsepower supercharged V8, the GT is one of an elite group of 200 mph, hand-crafted supercars that are prized by investment-minded collectors and driving enthusiasts.

The first car offered is the sixth vehicle from the initial production (YF400006) and is finished in vintage Mark IV red and white. This particular car will cross the auction block at RM's 15th annual Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event, held on the estate's Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion in Rochester, Michigan on August 1, 2009. This single-day auction of 100 important collector cars is held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.

Following in sequence, the second car offered (YF400007) is the seventh built and is presented in its nostalgic Centennial white and blue livery. This GT will join over 200 notable collector cars offered during RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey event in Monterey, California August 13-15, 2009.

In 1998, Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team, an employee-driven JDRF fundraising team with Edsel B. Ford II as the Corporate Team Chair. Since its inception, over $27 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

About RM Auctions:

Celebrating three decades in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its sister companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook Concours events. For additional information on the Michigan sale and other RM Auction events, please call (800) 211-4371 or visit: www.rmauctions.com

About Ford Motor Company:

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leader in setting the agenda for type 1 diabetes research worldwide, and is the world's largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly, but lasts a lifetime. JDRF provided more than $156 million to diabetes research in 2008, and is responsible for more than $1.3 billion in direct funding since it was founded in 1970. JDRF funds research with the greatest impact throughout the world, leading to results as soon as possible. www.jdrf.org

Heffner Performance Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT

Jason Heffner has unleashed some sweet rides the last few years, from his insanely powerful Lamborghini Gallardos to mindblowingly fast Ford GTs. For his latest project, Heffner has teamed up with Ford GT chief designer Camilo Pardo for a special edition version of the car that looks as good as it is fast.



Visually, the American supercar gets a racing inspired paint scheme and graphics, flat black BBS wheels and a new rear bumper from Classic Design Concepts. Inside, the car gets a chrome shift ball, wide-shaft shifter and aluminum seat grommets. Under the bonnet, the GT is blessed with Heffner's twin-turbo treatment as well as a Camilo-designed billet aluminum intake and black valve covers. Horsepower is rated at north of 900 and the car is capable of topping 200 mph in under 20 seconds while passing through the 1/4 mile at over 150 mph. Feel free to drool and dream.



PRESS RELEASE:



Heffner Performance is a name that has become synonymous with ultra high performance exotic car tuning. Having already successfully modified Ford GT and Lamborghini Gallardo’s for added performance, the team at Heffner Performance looked to expand their range by teaming with world reknowned artist and Ford GT chief designer Camilo Pardo for a special edition Ford GT. The combination of these two unique talents has provided for one of the most desirable Ford GT supercars ever produced.

r>Camilo Pardo had met Jason Heffner in 2006 when Heffner Performance modified Camilo’s first GT, an all-white 2005. Having had the chance to drive one of the initial twin turbo GT cars, Camilo immediately qualified it as “the baddest GT I’ve ever been in.” It was only a matter of time before they began discussing a collaborative effort, as each sought to take the GT to another level of performance and design quality.


The Heffner Twin Turbo system for the Ford GT is already proven on the street, as well as the track. Whille the car retains all its stock driveability, performance was shown to be otherworldly at the inaugural Car and Driver 0-200-0 shootout. Making over 900hp, the system has proven to obtain 200 mph from stop in under 19 seconds, clocking over 150 mph in the quarter mile. One of the few outside vehicles to ever see the inside of the Ford proving grounds in Dearborn, MI, the Heffner Twin Turbo was an instant hit with many of the team who engineered the original supercar. The essentials have remained the same for the Camilo Edition, but this special edition features an all new, Camilo-designed billet aluminum intake.



The car features a number of key aesthetic improvements the designer had wanted to include from the factory including



Unique Roundel and Number Graphics

Heritage racing-inspired paintjob

Flat black BBS wheels

Concept-Style rear bumper treatment from Classic Design ConceptsBlack-lip mirrors

Aluminum seat grommets

Chrome Shift ball r>Lasercut door trim rings from OEM supplier Quality Metalcraft

Wide-shaft shifter

Wrinkle black valve covers

Flat black gas cap and door latches

T&A Shocks lowering

Polished exhaust tips

Brembo caliper graphics

These represent subtle modifications that Camilo Pardo felt could transform the car with a more futuristic, race-inspired look. By any measure, the artistic talents of Camilo have taken this car to another level. It is a striking vehicle on the road, retaining the grace of the Ford GT but with an intensity that screams out for speed. The Camilo Edition Heffner Performance TT GT also includes a Setrab transmission cooler for additional performance enhacnement.



The project was a true collaborative effort by leaders in their respective fields. The car was sold only moments after it was revealed at the Ford GT National Rally III to a GT owner that decided, though he already had 4, he absolutely had to have it. At this time, Camilo and Heffner are looking forward to the chance at collaborating on another successul and exciting project

Saleen Automotive up for sale

Image via WikipediaSaleen is much more than just hot-rodded Mustangs and S7 supercars, and now, it's also for sale. Founder Steve Saleen departed in 2007, deciding that it might be more interesting to try and import a Chinese pickup truck for Chamco, and starting up a new performance company, SMS.



Saleen's eponymous company does work for automakers; the company built the Ford GT and Dodge's Viper gets its paint and some subassembly work at Saleen, too. Saleen's board has hired an advisor to investigate what level of interest there might be from potential buyers. Recent economic developments aren't going to make it an easy sale, but Saleen would like to sell itself by early 2009.

Hennessey twin turbo Ford GT

Hennessey is perhaps more closely associated with Dodge Vipers to most people, but they also do work on Ford's late, great supercar, the Ford GT, too. What Hennessey does with the GT is sort of up to you. One option they can do is a swap, wherein the factory supercharger is removed and a pair of turbos are fitted. With additional modifications, that car can reach more than 235 mph.



If it strikes you as a sacrilegious thing to do to a rare factory-supercharged car, you can keep your blower and simply add the twin turbos as well. They call that one the Ford GT1000 for the metric tonne of horsepower it produces. It can squirt from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and cover the quarter in 10.6 on its way past 240 mph. The company had one of each on hand at SEMA this year in front of the duPont Registry trailer.